About Me

I have been creating art as long as I can remember. I taught myself how to draw using library books, Playboy magazines and Marvel comic books. All three influences can be seen in my work whether it is on paper, canvas, clay or sculpted in paper mache'. The influence of the masters is exhibited in the fleshiness of my figures, and their powerful muscles and classic poses. Playboy's influence can be noted in the sense of sexual power that my subjects project and D C Comics heroines such as Superwoman, Catwoman and Wonder Woman in the poise, power and empowered self-esteem of my women.

I love objects that are kinetic; a number of my dolls are suspended, and move and turn when the slightest breeze touches them. A few years ago I began working with recycled materials in both my sculpting and paintings. After painting on sheets of PETG plastic and Mylar I rearrange the layers as needed to create a sense of depth that I cannot get with any other medium other than painting on glass. One of my goals this year is to work even larger and add collage and printmaking techniques to the work. Several of my doll designs will take on monumental sizes. I envision them to be at least eight feet tall. I will continue to work with concepts around food, weight and body image.

 As mentioned on my home page, my art is a form of self-healing. Many of the large women in my paintings are doing things that are considered taboo, like eating or being nude at the beach. The fact that my women are enjoying themselves and enjoying the viewer looking at them is what makes my work unique. They are large and in charge in a world that thinks small.

Creating Spirit Image Dolls became another avenue of healing for me. These dolls are made of paper mache', recycled paper, plastic, found objects, and personal jewelry. When women saw these dolls, I realized that they wanted to make their own, so I started teaching Spirit Image Doll workshops. Women and teens learned to make dolls that told their stories through stance and adornment. By creating their own dolls, these women infused them with a part of themselves in the creative process. Each doll became an exploration into what was important to them and a statement of who they were in the moment or aspired to be in the future. These dolls became a daily tool to remind them of the beauty they are each day. I also host a figure drawing open studio for artists who are passionate about drawing and painting from life. If you are interested in having more information about my figure drawing open studio, Spirit Image Doll workshops, my exhibitions or to be notified when new work appears on this site, please click  Contact Me link to sign up and I will keep you in the loop about happenings. I will not share your email or personal information. If you are interested in body image issues, or an artist who does art around that theme, please drop me a line so I can keep you up on possible exhibition opportunities or showings.